Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MAY I HOLD THE BABY? (A HUMBLE REQUEST OF THE MODERN MAMMA), by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MAY I HOLD THE BABY? (A HUMBLE REQUEST OF THE MODERN MAMMA), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear modern mamma, if you please
Last Line: If I may hold the baby.
Subject(s): Babies; Mothers; Infants


Dear Modern Mamma, if you please,
I'd like to take the baby.
I'll hold my breath, nor cough, nor sneeze,
If I may hold the baby.
As one who fully understands
The law of germs and its commands
I've disinfected both my hands --
And may I hold the baby?

I will not kiss the precious thing,
If I may hold the baby;
And only Tennyson I'll sing,
If I may hold the baby.
I will not rock it, cradlewise,
I will not toss it if it cries,
I will not twist my mouth or eyes,
If I may hold the baby.

By Pestalozzi I will walk,
If I may hold the baby.
I'll not indulge in baby talk,
If I amy hold the baby.
With placid brow and soul serene
I'll talk of Greek, and Pleiocene,
And it will gather all I mean.
Please, may I hold the baby?

I'll give it nothing good to eat,
If I may hold the baby;
Especially, no horrid sweet, --
And may I hold the baby?
I loathe, abhor, the ancient use
Of Mrs. Winslow's soothing juice.
I'll banish her, with Mother Goose,
If I may hold the baby.





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